I remembered that a branch fell off our silver maple tree a while back. This piece measured 1-3/4″ thick, but was completely solid. The oak had some soft bark and such, but this was nothing but hard maple (maple is one of the hardest woods I can think of). This took some real effort, but it made it through with flying colors. No dull edge that I can find and it still slices paper without any additional sharpening. Incredible.
Prom Carving 